From the desk of the editor of ‘My Walk to Equality’....
18 January 2017
RASHMII AMOAH BELL
10 January: My Walk to Equality, the first-ever collection of writing by Papua New Guinean women, is released on Amazon in Kindle edition.
13 January: My Walk to Equality, the first-ever collection of writing by Papua New Guinean women, is released on Amazon in paperback edition.
17 January: #LetUsWalk Twitter hashtag adopted to point to the need to get My Walk To Equality printed and distributed to as many readers as possible.
THE voluntary collaboration of Philip Fitzpatrick (Pukpuk Publications), Keith Jackson (PNG Attitude) and 45 PNG women writers has accomplished what no other has literary endeavour in Papua New Guinea has managed in 41 years of nationhood.
That the book publication was achieved in three months is remarkable in itself. But that the entire process was undertaken without a prominent benefactor is demonstration of the commitment of the writers and administration team of My Walk to Equality.
It must be highlighted that not one of the 45 writers has benefited financially for their contributions. All original writing has been donated in the cause of developing and adding to indigenous literature in Papua New Guinea.
My Walk to Equality is a milestone publication for PNG writing, particularly for Papua New Guinean women.
So I have something to say to social commentator Amanda Donigi, who likened Keith Jackson’s article yesterday to a “childish tantrum” and “very high school”, and to any others expressing similar objections.
I can understand Keith’s frustration, which reflects my own experience in dealing with individuals in PNG-based organisations who purport to address the national agenda to advance women’s rights. Allegedly.
On this matter, I shall restrain from further comment. For now.
The fact remains that My Walk to Equality exists and epitomises Papua New Guinean women as individuals with self-will, tenacity, resourcefulness and the motivation to encourage positive social change within PNG.
On that note, I want to invite the PNG Attitude community of writers, readers and supporters of Papua New Guinea to congratulate these individuals who have been pivotal in the evolution of My Walk to Equality:
Publisher: Pukpuk Publications
Project Team: Philip Fitzpatrick, Keith Jackson and Rashmii Bell
Cover Design: Tania Basiou
Foreword: Tanya Zeriga-Alone and Elvina Ogil
Writers: Tanya Zeriga-Alone, Elvina Ogil Lapieh Landu, Marlene Potorua, Dominica Are, Regina Dorum, Professor Betty Lovai, Florence Castro-Salle, Doloose Wo’otong, Samantha Kusari, Florence Jonduo, Stacey Tarua, Alphone Huvi, Betty Chapau, Roxanne Aila, Vanessa Gordon, Roslyn Tony, Julie Mota Kondi, Florence Castro-Salle, Alythea Siraba, Rose Kranz, Theresa Meki, Matilda Kond, Betty Wakia, Joyce Onguglo, Iriani Wanma, Dhyane Kendo, Tania Basiou, Martinez Wasuak, Caroline Evari, Madeline Ruga, Wendy Jerome, Genevieve (Gen) Hobden, Loretta Bele Kuwalu, Madlyn Baida, Emma Wakpi, Helen Anderson, Leila Parina, Leiao Gerega, Alurigo (Alu) Ravuriso-Kali, Vinzealhar Nen, Wavie Kendino, Watna Mori, Diddie Kinamun Jackson.
As the editor, I am honoured to have spent this time voluntarily working towards establishing and developing rapport with the women writers, reading their personal stories, being exposed to a rich tapestry of writing techniques, and developing technical editing skills under the mentorship of Philip Fitzpatrick and Keith Jackson.
Thank you all for granting me this incredible opportunity.
Thank you to the PNG Attitude community of readers and writers, and those who support PNG-authored literature for PNG.
Thank you to Ms Jo Holman and Paga Hill Development Company whose financial support facilitated the printing and distribution costs of the first consignment of the paperback edition and will fund the launch of the book in Port Moresby and Brisbane.
I look forward to launch day, International Women’s Day on 8 March, continuing the process of facilitating the distribution of My Walk to Equality throughout all regions of Papua New Guinea, and providing more updates in the near future.
We did it!
#LetUsWalk
Rashmii, you continue to inspire and shine.
You presented the MWTE cause very well in the fabulous Paradise, the Air Niugini inflight magazine, July-August issue, 2017.
Just got a copy.
Wish you and POM-based contributors could appear in Tania Nugent's 'Woman's World' and Florence Junduo's 'Olsem Wanem' programs on EMTV.
Posted by: Daniel Kumbon | 17 October 2017 at 08:18 AM
Hi Sally, great to hear from you! Sure, I remember our conversation at BWF17. I have received your email (thank you Luke and Phil) and will be in touch shortly.
Posted by: Rashmii Bell | 17 October 2017 at 06:19 AM
The book is a wonderful conversation for not only PNG but the sisters and brothers here in Australia.
Rashmii, we met briefly at the Brisbane Writers Festival this year when you were part of a panel on domestic violence in The Edge room. The book had sold out at the venue but I managed to find a copy online.
You may/may not remember a grey-haired woman almost on her knees talking to you after the panel presentation, and I spoke about a similar project that has been buzzing in my head for a long time.
Rashmii, I will not become a pest, I am too old for excess activity - but would appreciate a brief email chat. My email is enclosed.
Posted by: Sally Ryhanen | 16 October 2017 at 01:13 PM
http://uplit.com.au/festival/brisbane-writers-festival-2017/program/my-walk-to-equality
Well done Rashmii. Sold out. It will be a success.
Posted by: Peter Kranz | 06 September 2017 at 04:20 PM
Well done Rashmii,
The proper study of mankind is books-Aldous Huxley.
Posted by: Bernard Corden | 20 January 2017 at 10:04 PM
Thank you everyone for the words of support and ongoing encouragement.
It's been a massive effort by everyone involved, and continues to be so as we prepare for the Brisbane and Port Moresby book launches respectively.
I encourage you all to purchase a copy for yourself or one that you can gift to your high school / university children, nephews and nieces.
There is some terrific writing in the book and, like the Crocodile Prize Anthology volumes, would serve well as a resource for students practising essay writing, short stories and poetry.
Once in a lifetime opportunity. So thankful to have experienced it!
Posted by: Rashmii Bell | 20 January 2017 at 04:28 PM
Em nau!
Posted by: Michael Dom | 19 January 2017 at 03:03 PM
Thank you, Rashmii and team for this. A gift to all Papua New Guinean women. Blessed.
Posted by: Lapieh Landu | 18 January 2017 at 03:48 PM
Great effort from the ladies and supporters.
One in the eye to the critics.
With such momentum, I can see a succession of volumes to come.
May every library in PNG stock copies.
Posted by: `Robin Lillicrapp | 18 January 2017 at 03:47 PM
As a contributing writer to this milestone achievement in PNG literature, I would like to say a big thank you to Rashmii, Kevin, Phil and Tania for your tireless efforts in supporting the project.
You have managed to creatively address such an important issue and bring forth and celebrate the many achievements of PNG women; with which this book, is exemplified. For this, I salute you!
To my fellow women writers who have graciously and bravely shared their stories to the rest of PNG and the world – we have placed our hearts on our sleeves and are hopeful that with these stories, poems and essays, we may enlighten, challenge and inspire young Papua New Guinean women and men to not just be spectators in this circle of life but rather be change makers in their respective communities and contribute to a better PNG.
#LetUsWalk
Posted by: Loretta Bele | 18 January 2017 at 02:42 PM
Congratulations, Rashmii, Phil, Keith, the many others who helped pulled this off. It is now everyone's business to have these voices heard. I am reading my copy and loving it. Thank you.
Posted by: Joe Herman | 18 January 2017 at 02:38 PM
We have to continue to stand tall amidst negativity and challenges so one day this world, society or place we live in will be truly fair :)
Congratulations Rashmii for the successful initiative.
Posted by: Martinez Wasuak | 18 January 2017 at 11:34 AM
Walk tall. Salute.
Posted by: William Dunlop | 18 January 2017 at 09:35 AM
I do not see how anyone can have a problem with such a straightforward matter: an anthology documenting women's experiences in PNG.
These are real women, most of whom live here and work here and don't have the option of skipping out when it gets too difficult.
We are forever hosting pointless talk forums exclusively in Port Moresby for the acceptable PNG woman, the one who speaks the language and vocabulary that right, conservative Westerners can relate to and feel comfortable with.
But when PNG women want to have their own voice it becomes an issue.
It seems we/they want our women to talk cooperation and hand-holding and working together with our foreign partners but sometimes a PNG woman just wants to vent, just wants to be mad or just talk about their experience, to express themselves without necessarily providing a solution and so what.
Doesn't make it any less valid a contribution to women's rights, to gender equality and to feminisim.
So yes I understand Keith Jackson's frustrations with trying to get authentic PNG voices out there and struggling because they don't seem to fit the bill.
Our voices are too loud, too boisterous, too independent it may seem.
Again Rashmii, I am eternally grateful to you for this work. I hope it will be for women in the future, what it was for me when I read, "My mother calls me Yaltep," a discovery of the thoughts and experiences that my forefathers went through in a pivotal time of PNG history. This is so important.
Posted by: Watna Mori | 18 January 2017 at 08:20 AM
Well done to you Rashmii Amoah Bell and all that contributed to My Walk to Equality. You made it happen. Stand tall and stand proud.
Posted by: Gita Raikar | 18 January 2017 at 08:18 AM
Very well said and very well done, Rashmii: a huge and important achievement ....
Posted by: Ed Brumby | 18 January 2017 at 07:40 AM